Cronje in threat to sue ICC over ban

LAWYERS for Hansie Cronje, the central figure in cricket's betting scandal, yesterday threatened to sue the United Cricket Board of South Africa over their client's life ban. The UCB, who announced the ban last week, now face an ultimatum: withdraw it by this afternoon or face legal action.

By Simon Briggs in Nairobi

12:00AM BST 17 Oct 2000

LAWYERS for Hansie Cronje, the central figure in cricket's betting scandal, yesterday threatened to sue the United Cricket Board of South Africa over their client's life ban. The UCB, who announced the ban last week, now face an ultimatum: withdraw it by this afternoon or face legal action.

"We believe the resolution was unlawfully taken," said Leslie Sackstein, "and our letter also invites the UCB to inform the International Cricket Council of our view."

While Sackstein would not go into detail, it is clear Cronje could claim restraint of trade. One television station has already objected to the ban, which applied to all cricket-related activities, arguing they should not be denied the chance to use Cronje as a commentator.

The case will be an early test of the ICC's determination to rid the game of corruption. Cronje could cause severe embarrassment - and take away the ICC's strongest deterrent - if he establishes a precedent here. Salim Malik and Ata-ur-Rehman, the two Pakistani players banned by the Qayyum Report, will be paying close attention.

The King Commission, which is investigating Cronje's links with bookmakers, will resume in November, having been adjourned since the summer. The break was designed to allow prosecutors to listen to the taped conversations, recorded by Indian police, which first exposed the scandal.

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